Doug Tunnell

Winemaker & Grower, Brick House Vineyard

In this episode, you’ll meet Biodynamic winemaker Doug Tunnell of Brick House Vineyards, whose fascinating life has led him to produce some of the country’s most celebrated Pinot Noir. 

Visit the Brick House Vineyard website

Ribbon Ridge AVA: Selected favorites

We recount part one of our epic trip to the Willamette Valley with a focus on the Ribbon Ridge nested-AVA, including several of the favorite wines, wineries, and winemakers we encountered, complete with must-try bottle recommendations, including:

Brick House — 2017 Evelyn’s Pinot (Pommard/Dijon clone): A nose that includes toffee and baking spices, and flavors of soy sauce, tomato paste, baked red fruits, tobacco, and shiitake mushroom.

Beaux Freres —The Beaux Freres Pinot Noir: Bright red strawberry and Creme Brûlée aromatics, followed by a deep, earthy expression of plum and dark cherries. Beaux Freres website

Utopia Vineyards — 2015 Dijon clone 777: Savory, rich, dark expression of pinot whose tannins have developed beautifully over time and are probably at peak. Utopia Vineyards website

Trisaetum Winery — 2017 Pashey Blanc de Blancs, Ribbon Ridge Estate: Fresh citrus and stone fruits on the nose, with a palate that displays enticing flavors of vanilla crème, apricot, and granny smith apple. Trisaetum website

Ayers Vineyard & Winery — 2016 Pioneer Dijon 667 Clone: Caramel nose, followed by a bright red cherry palette and a savory mid-palette featuring herbs, smoke, and wood. Ayers Vineyard website

Eminent Domaine — 2018 Estate Pinot Noir: Black cherry, black tea, baked fruits, and medium tannins. Eminent Domaine website

Visit the Ribbon Ridge AVA Winegrowers website

Doug Tunnell enjoying a tasting of his Brickhouse wines.

This sign means you’ve discovered great wine!

A view from the deck at the biodynamic Brick House Vineyard.

A snowy view of the brick house of Brick House Vineyards

The barn and vineyard where Doug Tunnell makes the magic of Brick House Winery happen.

The museum-like offices in the big barn at Brick House Vineyards

The laid back tasting room at Beaux Freres is a wonderful place to relax and learn.

An epic tasting awaits you trough the doors of Beaux Freres.

The talented Brad McLeroy of Ayres Vineyard & Winery conducting a tasting with a group of fans.

This is a “sign” that you’ve found Ayers Vineyard & Winery.

The elegant tasting bar at Eminent Domaine.

The indoor tasting room at Eminent Domaine is a marvelous place to sip and enjoy great wines.

Outside seating at Eminent Domaine offers a comfortable perch to enjoy spectacular views of Ribbon Ridge.

Trisaetum Winrey’s outdoor tasting area is just as inspiring as the inside gallery/tasting room.

Is it a tasting room or an art gallery? At Trisaetum, it’s both!

The Clone 777 Pinot at Utopia was a highlight of our Ribbon Ridge visit.

The casual atmosphere at Utopia Vineyard is a comfy hangout for wine nerds and their families.

Utopia Vineyard has plenty to do outside, like bocce ball and corn hole lanes.